2009 BMW 550 vs. 1970 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 632 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1970 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | BMW | Sunbeam |
| Model | 550 | Rapier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1725 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
